MPs don’t want Ramaphosa to be held accountable for Phala Phala scandal

The ANC MPs defeated an opposition motion. The motion was to have a parliamentary panel investigate if President Cyril Ramaphosa should be held accountable for allegedly concealing a burglary at his game farm.

The ANC MPs, with support from certain smaller parties, voted down the motion. It was put forth by the DA and backed by the EFF.

The decision has no effect on a three-person independent panel that was constituted by parliament speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula earlier this month. It will make recommendations regarding whether to start an impeachment procedure against Ramaphosa due to the allegations.

Ramaphosa has declined to respond to inquiries. These were regarding the event from opposition lawmakers.

The theft at his farm in Limpopo in February 2020 was revealed in June by the former head of the State Security Agency Arthur Fraser. He filed charges against the president for allegedly concealing the crime. Fraser claimed that $4m (about R72m) was stolen.

Also read: Ramaphosa will be asked to answer to Phala Phala scandal